Roake Studio’s founder Rosie is a keen sea swimmer. So are many of the team, as well as family and friends of the brand. It kind of goes hand-in-hand with being an islander - if you’re surrounded by water, it makes sense to get in it on a regular basis. Or at least once in a while.

As any sea swimmer will know, getting changed on the beach is all part of the deal, which is why Rosie has introduced the new Winnie beach skirt to the Roake repertoire. Made from cotton towelling and available in terracotta or navy, its elastic waist means it can be worn multiple ways to get changed under, or to just get you to and from your swim looking chic.

The design is based on one by Rosie’s Grambo Winnie (pictured). ‘As a child I remember her wearing her genius towelling beach skirt all summer’, says Rosie. ‘She would wander down to the beach in it, pop it over her shoulders to get her swimmers on, and wear it under the arms to dry off with a post-swim flask of tea and a ‘goodie’ (a biscuit to the rest of us).’

We asked some local women to take their Winnies for a test run at their own favourite swim spot. If you’re visiting the Isle of Wight, swing by our Ventnor shop and pick up a Winnie, then take your pick from these beautiful beaches below.

STEEPHILL COVE, chosen by Rosie Drake-Amery

Of course, Roake’s founder Rosie had to be the first person to try out the Winnie skirt. She chose her local and incredibly delightful swim spot, Steephill Cove, which is only accessible by foot.

‘The best time to go is in September or June,’ says Rosie. ‘The cafes are open but the tourists aren’t here yet, and you can get a really good ice cream. I also love New Year’s Day - because of the weather, it feels like a completely different cove but you see lots of local people there. It’s best to swim when the tide is in.’

The walk from Ventnor to Steephill Cove is a beautiful one - park in Ventnor’s La Falaise pay and display car park and head west along the coastal path. The cove has a lovely selection of cafes and restaurants that are open in the summer months, as well as an especially nice public toilet that’s run by the locals (please leave a donation if you use it!).

2. SEAVIEW, chosen by Hannah Rochell

Born and bred on the north east side of the Island in Ryde, sustainable fashion journalist Hannah now swims in the pretty village of Seaview a couple of days a week with her parents and an enthusiastic group of cold water enthusiasts.

‘Quay Rocks at the bottom of Seaview High Street is a really popular spot with the locals,’ says Hannah. ‘It’s one of the few places you can always get a decent swim, even when the tide is out, so it’s busy every morning of the year with familiar faces.’ She also loves Seagrove Bay around the corner when the tide is in, but beware, it gets incredibly busy in August when the sailing crowd arrives.

Grab a coffee at Lilys cafe after your swim if you go after 9am; the community run village shop is also open nice and early for a post-dip pastry and paper.

3. COMPTON BAY, chosen by Sofia Voudouroglou

Sofia hails from Greece but has settled here on the Isle of Wight, where she works for The Ellen Macarthur Foundation and loves swimming and surfing at rugged Compton Bay on the south west side of the island.

‘On calmer days when there’s no surf, Compton Bay is the perfect spot for a swim,’ she says. ‘In winter, a little bit of swell and the lure of bodysurfing can make the first dip easier to bear. Afterwards, the walk back up the steps always gets me warmed up.’

You’ll find Compton Bay if you drive along the stunning Military Road. There is a pay and display car park (free for National Trust members), toilets and seasonal refreshments van. If you’re lucky, you might also catch the pop-up sauna!

4. GURNARD, chosen by Madi Dew

If anyone knows about keeping warm after a cold dip it's Madi, who did a whole year of consecutive wild swims, no matter what the weather.

‘My favourite place to swim would have to be Gurnard,’ she says of her regular Isle of Wight swimming spot, near Cowes on the northern tip of the island. ‘We have a wonderful community down there but also there are a couple of little secret spots that are perfect for solo sunset swims.’

Keep up with Madi’s daily dipping adventures, as well as her surfing local beaches, on Instagram @madidoingthedailydip

5. Sandown Bay, chosen by Courtney Durrand

Courtney Durrand’s partner Patrick runs the Dip n Sip Society, combining coffee and sea swimming every Sunday morning in Sandown Bay on the Isle of Wight.

'I have been cold water swimming since January 2024 when Patrick started Dip n Sip,' Courtney tells us. 'I never liked the cold but it has definitely challenged me in a new way! I'm still a bit of a fair weather swimmer but I love the feeling afterwards. I grew up in the bay and whenever I am down there it feels like home.'

Dip n Sip is open for anyone to join (follow them on Instagram for updates @dipnsip.society); grab a hot drink from The Coffee Bubble afterwards to warm up.

SHOP THE WINNIE BEACH SKIRT HERE

5 of the best swim spots on the Isle of Wight